Alrighty - Getting ready to set up my new mod. I had originally planned to go with an ATCS 840, but now that I'm getting ready to order, I'm not so sure. Budget: 350 US Dollars ~ 225 British Pounds ~ 275 Euro - Budget includes $100 for Powdercoating if not already black internally. - Budget includes modding an acrylic window if one does not exist on case standard (as with the ATCS 840, have to order separately for $40) Must Haves: - "Roomy" Mid Tower or Full Tower - Stellar Cable Management - Absurdly Good Airflow (I expect to add a minimum of 2-5 fans, and replace all existing, not included in budget) - Inauspicious exterior - like the ATCS 840 or many Lian-Li cases. (IE: NOT the HAF Series or the COSMOS series, or anything ever made by Thermaltake) - 5 5.25 Drive Bays or More. - Entirely Black or Dark Grey, no Silver or White, or ancillary colors. (LED Fans are ok, as they will be replaced) This computer will contain: See Sig. Those are the only relevant specs for the moment. Your help, advice, and testimonials are greatly appreciated. PS: It's quite alright to continue recommending the ATCS 840. If it comes out on top again, I might just stick with it : ) Some issues with cable management, modability, and how much I'd have to invest into it to mod it have come up recently (and it's awefully big...)
The one that hits most of your "must haves" is the case I've just purchased, Corsair 800D. - Huge size and incredibly roomy inside - Fantastic cable management due to all the routing holes it has - Pretty solid airflow - Plain exterior - Plenty of HDD bays - Black EVERYWHERE.
I would still recommend the ATCS 840 over the 800D, simply because it meets all of your must haves (specifically the "absurdly good airflow", which can't really be said of the 800D). I suppose it depends somewhat on how much modding you plan to do to the case (i.e. whether you would be increasing stock airflow), or whether you would be watercooling (for WC I would probably be more tempted to go for the 800D over the ATCS 840). You don't appear to have a sig BTW.
You would be correct sir! This will need to fit: Asus P6X58D-E Corsair H70 Seasonic X750 Those are the only pieces really relevant to the shape of the case. (And even then, what case doesn't fit Standard ATX, PSU? ) I've seen a *lot* of recommendations for the Silverstone FT02 - thoughts?
I forgot about that one, it's a very, very nice case. Probably the best all-round case on the market right now, in fact, as it cools well and looks nicer than both the ATCS 840 and 800D IMO. I would probably own one myself if I had the funds and the space
I'd still go for a ATCS840 over any other case, I've used both the 840 and 800D for mates builds and the ATCS is better IMO
While the ATCS840 looks amazing, it does have a few glaring cons to me - - The size. I have, but don't want to make the room, for a Full, Full Tower. - Continued complaints of vibration noise from Side Panels - Cable Management - It has decent cable management by virtue of it's size, but it most certainly wasn't built for it. - I'd have to Powdercoat it (100 bucks minimum) - I'd have to order the window on the side (40 bucks plus shipping) By no means is my mind made up, but those are things leading me back towards a midtower case and away from the 840 in general.
Never come across the vibrating side pannel... Everything else is beautiful on it though, its lian li build qulity...
Lian Li PC-B25FW. Classy, sexy Lian-li case. Black interior and has a window. I am looking at removing the HDD cage to maximise airflow. Only 3 5.25 bays however.